JP2013034124A - Imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To form a small and lightweight structure and enable highly accurate tracking operation to be conducted at high speed.SOLUTION: A lens part 21 and an imaging part 22 of an imaging apparatus are provided at a housing part 2 so as to rotate around a predetermined rotation center only in one direction and the opposite direction of the one direction. At least the imaging part 22 is disposed in a space of the housing part 2 and rotates in the above directions in the housing part 2.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that includes a lens and a solid-state imaging device and has a function of following a subject.

  An imaging device used for a mobile phone having a camera function or a home camera is generally a device in which a solid-state imaging device (CCD or CMOS sensor IC), an infrared filter, a wiring board, and a lens are integrated. . Recent image pickup apparatuses have advanced functions, and mechanisms such as autofocus, zoom, macro and camera shake correction have been incorporated. Furthermore, it has also been proposed to incorporate a function of following (tracking) an object moving in the horizontal direction. This is to prevent the subject from coming off the screen when shooting while following the moving subject.

  In, for example, a camera as a conventional imaging device, an imaging part and an optical axis formed by a lens or an autofocus mechanism (AF mechanism) are fixed to a camera housing. Therefore, in order to realize a tracking function for a moving subject, such an apparatus moves the optical part laterally and simultaneously shifts the center of the image receiving unit virtually or physically to follow the subject. There is what I did. However, with this method, there is a possibility that the subject cannot be followed when the range of movement of the subject is large.

  On the other hand, when compared to a camera, the human eyeball follows the subject by moving so that the optical axes of the lens portion (the crystalline lens) and the imaging portion (the retina) rotate. Thereby, even if the head is fixed, the subject can be followed and a wide field of view can be secured. Therefore, an imaging apparatus having a mechanism that mimics the function of the human eyeball has been proposed.

  For example, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, an imaging unit that is a convex sphere that houses an imaging optical system and an imaging element is disposed in a casing, and the imaging unit is supported in a tiltable manner via a ball in the casing. Has been. Thus, the imaging unit can freely change the direction of the optical axis and follow the subject.

  Further, in the configuration described in Patent Document 2, a first housing having a top surface and a bottom surface of a spherical body having an imaging optical system and an imaging element as a plane, and the first housing are disposed inside, and the first housing And a second housing whose upper and lower surfaces are flat in accordance with the flat surface and the lower surface of the housing, and the first housing is supported by the second housing so as to be tiltable via a sphere. ing. As a result, the configuration described in Patent Document 2 is thin and can follow the subject.

JP 11-17999 A (published January 22, 1999) JP 2005-303490 A (released on October 27, 2005)

  However, in the configurations described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the imaging unit having the imaging optical system and the imaging element is a sphere or a sphere with a part of the plane, the volume and weight are large because of the sphere. It has become. Therefore, the imaging device cannot be made sufficiently thin to the extent required when incorporated in, for example, a mobile phone. Furthermore, the imaging unit requires a large torque for driving, and it is difficult to perform high-speed and precise tilting.

  In the configuration of Patent Document 2, the imaging device can be thinned by flattening the upper surface and the lower surface of the first housing (imaging unit) and the second housing. However, in the configuration of Patent Document 2, the first casing (imaging unit) protrudes from the second casing when tilted. For this reason, there is a problem that the tilt angle of the first housing (imaging unit) cannot be increased when the arrangement space of the imaging device is limited. For example, the imaging device needs to be mounted with high density inside a mobile phone, and there is almost no space where the first casing (imaging unit) is allowed to protrude.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that can be configured to be small and light, and that can perform a high-speed and high-accuracy tracking operation on a subject.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a lens unit having a lens and a solid-state imaging device, and receives an image signal of a subject from light incident through the lens unit by the solid-state imaging device. In the imaging device including the imaging unit to be obtained, the lens unit and the imaging unit are provided in the housing so as to rotate only in one direction and a direction opposite to the one direction around a predetermined rotation center, The imaging unit is arranged in a space inside the housing and is provided so as to rotate in the one direction and the opposite direction in the space.

  According to the above configuration, in the imaging apparatus, the image signal of the subject is obtained from the light incident through the lens unit by the solid-state imaging device. The lens unit and the imaging unit rotate only in one direction and a direction opposite to the one direction around a predetermined rotation center, and at least the imaging unit rotates in the direction in the space inside the housing.

  Thereby, when performing the tracking operation of the moving subject, the lens unit and the imaging unit rotate only in one direction and the opposite direction (for example, clockwise and counterclockwise). In this case, the lens unit can be disposed, for example, in the opening of the housing, and the imaging unit rotates within the housing without protruding from the housing. Therefore, the imaging apparatus can be configured to be thin, small, and lightweight, and can thereby perform a high-speed and high-accuracy tracking operation on the subject.

  Here, a moving subject such as a person or an animal (pet) usually moves large and fast in the horizontal direction, but often moves small and slow in the vertical direction. Even when a subject such as a stationary landscape is photographed from the car window of a car or train, the relative movement of the subject with respect to the imaging device is centered in the horizontal direction. Therefore, in the present invention, focusing on this point, the tracking function (following function) is provided only in one direction and the opposite direction (for example, the horizontal direction) with respect to the moving subject.

  In the imaging apparatus, the rotation center may be set in the lens unit.

  According to said structure, a lens part and an imaging part can perform the rotation operation | movement of one direction and the reverse direction of this one direction centering | focusing on the rotation center set to the lens part.

  In the imaging apparatus, the rotation center may be set in the imaging unit.

  According to said structure, a lens part and an imaging part can perform the rotation operation | movement of one direction and the reverse direction of this one direction centering | focusing on the rotation center set to the said imaging part.

  In the above imaging device, the lens unit and the imaging unit may be connected by a connecting member so that both rotate together.

  According to the above configuration, the lens unit and the imaging unit are connected by the connecting member, and both of them rotate together in the tracking operation of the moving subject.

  Thus, for example, if the connecting member is a plate-like light weight, the imaging device can be easily made light, thin and small.

  The imaging apparatus includes a lens unit driving unit that rotationally drives the lens unit in the direction, an imaging unit driving unit that rotationally drives the imaging unit in the direction, a rotation angle of the lens unit, and a rotation of the imaging unit. It is good also as a structure provided with the control part which controls operation | movement of the said lens part drive part and the said imaging part drive part so that an angle may correspond.

  According to said structure, a lens part and an imaging part can be rotationally driven independently by a lens part drive part and an imaging part drive part. Accordingly, it is possible to accurately perform the tracking operation on the moving subject while finely adjusting the positional deviation between the lens unit and the imaging unit. In addition, since the lens unit and the imaging unit are driven by separate driving units, the responsiveness in the tracking operation of the subject can be improved.

  In the imaging apparatus, the first rotation unit that is one of the lens unit and the imaging unit is provided with an axis as the rotation center, and rotates in the direction around the axis. The second rotating portion may be configured to rotate in the direction guided by a guide mechanism that guides the second rotating portion to rotate about the axis.

  According to the above configuration, in the case where the lens unit and the imaging unit are independently rotated by the lens unit driving unit and the imaging unit driving unit, the rotation angle of the lens unit and the rotation angle of the imaging unit match. Both can be rotated appropriately.

  The imaging apparatus may include an angle detection unit that detects a rotation angle of at least one of the lens unit and the imaging unit.

  According to said structure, the angle detection means can detect the rotation angle of at least one of a lens part and an imaging part. Accordingly, for example, for a subject that does not move, the distance to the subject is measured by measuring the amount of deviation from the original position of the subject while measuring the rotation angle of the lens unit (that is, the angle of the optical axis). Can be provided.

  As described above, according to the configuration of the present invention, when performing a tracking operation of a moving subject, the lens unit and the imaging unit rotate only in one direction and the opposite direction. As a result, the imaging apparatus can be configured to be thin, small, and lightweight, and can thereby perform a high-speed and high-accuracy tracking operation on the subject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the imaging device of embodiment of this invention, Comprising: The imaging operation part exists in the reference position which is not rotating in any direction. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the imaging apparatus showing a state where an imaging operation unit of the imaging apparatus is rotated clockwise from the reference position shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the imaging apparatus showing a state in which an imaging operation unit of the imaging apparatus is rotated counterclockwise from the reference position shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a lens unit and an imaging unit in a state where an imaging operation unit of the imaging device is present at the reference position illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a lens unit and an imaging unit in a state where an imaging operation unit of the imaging apparatus is rotated clockwise illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a lens unit and an imaging unit in a state where an imaging operation unit of the imaging device rotates counterclockwise illustrated in FIG. 3. 7A is a front view showing the shape of the connecting member shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 7B is a side view showing the attachment state of the connecting member in the imaging operation unit shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. ) Is a front view showing another example of the connecting member shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical connection state between a wiring board and a mounting board in a state where an imaging operation unit of the imaging apparatus is present at the reference position illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical connection state between a wiring board and a mounting board in a state where an imaging operation unit of the imaging apparatus is rotated clockwise illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical connection state between a wiring board and a mounting board in a state where an imaging operation unit of the imaging apparatus is rotated counterclockwise as illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view when the wiring board and the intermediate board shown in FIG. 8 are viewed from above in a state before the intermediate board is connected to the mounting board. 11 is another example of the configuration of the intermediate board and the wiring board shown in FIG. 11, and is a partial view when the wiring board and the intermediate board are viewed from above when the intermediate board is provided on only one of the wiring boards. FIG. FIG. 13A is a front view showing an imaging unit having the configuration of the intermediate board and the wiring board shown in FIG. 12, and FIG. 13B is a plan view of the imaging unit shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a rotation driving unit in a state where an imaging operation unit of the imaging apparatus is present at a reference position illustrated in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the rotation drive part in the state which the imaging operation part of the imaging device rotated clockwise shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a rotation driving unit in a state where an imaging operation unit of the imaging apparatus rotates counterclockwise illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a drive control device of an imaging operation unit included in the imaging device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the imaging apparatus when an imaging operation unit is arranged at a reference position in the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the imaging apparatus when the imaging operation unit is rotated clockwise in the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the imaging apparatus when an imaging operation unit is rotated counterclockwise in the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the imaging apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 when the lens unit and the imaging unit are not coupled by a coupling member but are rotated by an individual driving unit. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the drive control apparatus of a lens part and an imaging part with which the imaging device shown in FIG. 21 is provided. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the imaging device of other embodiment of this invention, Comprising: The imaging operation part exists in a reference | standard position. FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of the imaging apparatus showing a state in which the imaging operation unit is rotated clockwise from the reference position shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of the imaging apparatus showing a state in which the imaging operation unit is rotated counterclockwise from the reference position shown in FIG. 23. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of a lens part and an imaging part in the state in which the imaging operation part of an imaging device exists in the reference position shown in FIG. FIG. 27A is a plan view showing the lens portion shown in FIG. 23 and the flange member provided on the lens portion, and FIG. 27B is a lens portion shown in FIG. 23 and provided on the lens portion. It is a side view which shows the obtained heel member. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electrical connection state of a wiring board and a mounting board | substrate in the state in which the imaging operation part of an imaging device exists in the reference position shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the drive control apparatus of the imaging operation part with which the imaging device shown in FIG. 23 is provided. It is a top view at the time of arrange | positioning the imaging operation part in the reference position in the imaging device shown in FIG. It is a top view at the time of rotating the imaging operation part clockwise in the imaging device shown in FIG. It is a top view at the time of rotating the imaging operation part counterclockwise in the imaging device shown in FIG. FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration when an elastic member is disposed between a wiring board and a mounting board in the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 24 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the imaging device illustrated in FIG. 23 and including an imaging device including a piezoelectric element type actuator as a rotation driving unit of the imaging operation unit. It is a front view which shows the piezoelectric element type actuator shown in FIG. 36 (a) is a plan view of the moving body shown in FIG. 35, FIG. 36 (b) is a front view of the moving body 3, and FIG. 36 (c) is a front view of the drive shaft and the piezoelectric element. FIG. 35 is a longitudinal sectional view showing another example of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 34 and showing an imaging apparatus having a configuration in which one of both piezoelectric element type actuators is replaced with an elastic member. It is explanatory drawing which shows the imaging | photography operation | movement of the to-be-photographed object by the stereo camera provided with two imaging devices of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the imaging | photography operation | movement of the to-be-photographed object by the stereo camera provided with two imaging devices of this Embodiment.

[Embodiment 1]
(Main configuration of imaging device)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an image pickup apparatus (camera module) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which an image pickup operation unit 1 is present at a reference position that is not rotating in any direction. FIG. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the imaging apparatus showing a state in which the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated clockwise from the reference position shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the imaging apparatus showing a state in which the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated counterclockwise from the reference position shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 in a state where the imaging operation unit 1 of the imaging apparatus exists at the reference position shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 in a state where the imaging operation unit 1 of the imaging apparatus is rotated clockwise as shown in FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 in a state where the imaging operation unit 1 of the imaging apparatus is rotated counterclockwise as shown in FIG. In FIGS. 4 to 6, the connection member 23 is not shown.

  The imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured as a camera module, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus has a configuration in which an imaging operation unit 1 that performs an imaging operation is provided inside a housing unit 2 that is formed by a mounting substrate 11 and a holder 12.

  The housing 2 is provided with a holder 12 serving as a side wall and a top wall surrounding the four sides on a mounting substrate 11 serving as a bottom wall. The mounting substrate 11 can be formed of, for example, ceramic or epoxy resin, and is matte and has a light shielding property. The holder 12 can be made of resin and has a light shielding property.

  The imaging operation unit 1 includes a lens unit 21, an imaging unit 22, and a connecting member 23 that connects the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22.

  The lens unit 21 includes a lens 31 and a lens holding member 32 that is provided so as to surround the outer periphery of the lens 31 and holds the lens 31. In the lens holding member 32, the thickness of the lens 31 in the optical axis direction is larger than the thickness of the lens 31, and the outer peripheral surface of the lens holding member 32 forms a part of a spherical surface centered on the center of the lens 31. . The lens 31 and the lens holding member 32 are preferably formed of resin from the viewpoint of weight reduction. The lens 31 may be made of glass.

  The lens portion 21 is provided in an opening 12 a formed through the top wall portion at the center of the top wall portion of the holder 12. The inner peripheral surface of the opening 12 a has a concave shape corresponding to the shape of the outer peripheral surface of the lens holding member 32. Therefore, the lens portion 21 provided in the opening 12 a is rotatable around the center of the lens 31.

  The imaging unit 22 is obtained by sequentially providing a solid-state imaging element 42 and a glass substrate 43 on a wiring board 41. The glass substrate 43 is fixed on the solid-state image sensor 42 by an adhesive layer 44 made of an adhesive.

  The wiring board 41 is formed in a rectangular shape, for example, and the solid-state imaging element 42 is wire-bonded to the wiring board 41 with a wire 45.

  The glass substrate 43 prevents dust, dust, and the like from adhering to the solid-state image sensor 42, and prevents a decrease in imaging function of the solid-state image sensor 42. The glass substrate 43 is preferably transparent. Note that the CCD image sensor and the CMOS image sensor constituting the solid-state image sensor 42 tend to have higher sensitivity on the infrared region side. Therefore, the glass substrate 43 may have a function of preventing redness or redness of the incident light from being cut (attenuated) to prevent the image from becoming reddish. Further, in order to prevent moiré (interference fringes) that occurs because the microlenses and the light receiving elements are regularly arranged on the surface of the solid-state imaging element 42, a function as a low-pass filter that slightly lowers the resolution may be provided. Good. Further, when the function of a low-pass filter is provided, a quartz substrate may be used instead of the glass substrate 43.

(Connection between the lens unit and the imaging unit)
In the imaging operation unit 1, the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 are connected by a connecting member 23. The connecting member 23 has a shape shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. FIG. 7A is a front view showing the shape of the connecting member 23. FIG. 7B is a side view showing an attachment state of the connecting member 23 in the imaging operation unit 1.

  The connecting member 23 has a lower end portion fixed to the side surface of the wiring board 41 in the imaging unit 22 and an upper end portion fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the lens holding member 32 in the lens unit 21 by, for example, a shaft. Therefore, in the imaging operation unit 1, the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 are integrated with each other around the attachment position (hereinafter referred to as the rotation center 1 a) of the upper end portion of the coupling member 23 with respect to the lens holding member 32. It is designed to rotate.

  The connecting member 23 may be provided on both sides of the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 so as to sandwich the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22. Alternatively, when sufficient connection strength and support strength between the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 can be obtained by one connection member 23, a so-called cantilever state (state shown in FIG. 7B) using only one connection member 23 is obtained. It may be provided.

  Further, when the connecting member 23 is formed of a material having high strength, as shown in FIG. 7C, the connecting member 23 may have a shape with a smaller area than the shape of FIG. FIG. 7C is a front view showing another example of the connecting member 23. In addition, it is preferable that the connection member 23 is coated, for example, so as not to reflect light so as not to reflect light.

(Guidance for rotation of imaging unit)
As shown in FIG. 1, for example, two protruding guide pins 46 are provided on the two side surfaces of the wiring board 41 of the imaging unit 22 on the side where the connecting member 23 is provided. In the configuration in which only one connection member 23 is provided, the guide pins 46 are provided on the side surface on the side where the connection member 23 is provided and the side surface on the opposite side.

  Guide grooves 12b into which the guide pins 46 are inserted are formed on the inner surfaces of the two side walls of the holder 12 facing the guide pins 46, respectively. The guide groove 12b is an arc-shaped groove centered on the rotation center 1a. Therefore, when the imaging operation unit 1 rotates around the rotation center 1a with the guide pin 46 inserted in the guide groove 12b, the imaging unit 22, that is, the imaging operation unit 1 can smoothly rotate. . In this case, the rotation range (maximum rotation angle) of the imaging operation unit 1 is defined by the length of the guide groove 12b.

  Here, the range in which the eyeball moves to the left and right with the person's head fixed is generally said to be 0 to ± 25 degrees. Accordingly, the rotation range of the imaging operation unit 1 is preferably in the range of 0 to ± 25 degrees, for example, when the state of FIG.

(Electrical connection between wiring board and mounting board)
Next, electrical connection between the wiring board 41 and the mounting board 11 will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical connection state between the wiring board 41 and the mounting board 11 in a state where the imaging operation unit 1 of the imaging apparatus is located at the reference position shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical connection state between the wiring board 41 and the mounting board 11 in a state where the imaging operation unit 1 of the imaging apparatus is rotated clockwise as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an electrical connection state between the wiring board 41 and the mounting board 11 in a state where the imaging operation unit 1 of the imaging apparatus is rotated counterclockwise as illustrated in FIG. 3. 8 to 10, the connection member 23 is not shown.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the wiring board 41 is connected to the mounting board 11 via the intermediate board 47. Specifically, an intermediate substrate 47 connected to the wiring substrate 41 is provided at the end portions of the wiring substrate 41 in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction of the imaging operation unit 1. The ends of the intermediate board 47 opposite to the wiring board 41 are connected to edge connectors 48 provided at positions on both sides of the mounting board 11. The connection between the intermediate substrate 47 and the mounting substrate 11 may be performed by soldering without using the edge connector 48. The intermediate board 47 is a flexible wiring board and can be deformed so as not to hinder the clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the imaging operation unit 1.

  Next, the structure of the wiring board 41 and the intermediate board 47 will be described. FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the wiring board 41 and the intermediate board 47 shown in FIG. 8 when viewed from above in a state before the intermediate board 47 is connected to the mounting board 11. In FIG. 11 and the following FIG. 12, only the upper half of the wiring board 41 is seen through.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the wiring board 41 and the intermediate board 47 are integrally formed, and the wiring of the wiring board 41 connected to the terminal 41a of the wiring board 41 is continuously drawn out to the intermediate board 47, and the intermediate board 47 47 is connected to the terminal 47a. The intermediate substrate 47 is connected to the mounting substrate 11 by a terminal 47a. In the example of FIG. 11, the wiring of the wiring board 41 is distributed and drawn to the left and right (clockwise and counterclockwise) intermediate boards 47, so that the wiring density in each intermediate board 47 is reduced.

  Unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 11, the intermediate board 47 may be provided only on either the left or right (clockwise direction or counterclockwise direction) of the wiring board 41, as shown in FIG. Good. FIG. 12 is another example of the configuration of the intermediate board 47 and the wiring board 41 shown in FIG. 11, and the wiring board 41 and the intermediate board when the intermediate board 47 is provided on only one of the wiring boards 41. FIG. 47 is a partial perspective view when 47 is viewed from above. 13A is a front view showing the imaging unit 22 having the configuration of the intermediate board 47 and the wiring board 41 in FIG. 12, and FIG. 13B is a plan view of the imaging unit 22 shown in FIG. FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 12, the wiring of the wiring board 41 is drawn out to the intermediate board 47 provided only on one of the left and right (clockwise direction and counterclockwise direction) of the wiring board 41. The wiring density is increased. On the other hand, since the intermediate board 47 is provided only on one side of the wiring board 41, the load when the imaging operation unit 1 rotates is reduced.

(Configuration to rotate the imaging operation unit)
Next, a configuration for rotationally driving the imaging operation unit 1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the imaging apparatus includes a rotation driving unit (imaging unit driving unit) 51 in order to rotationally drive the imaging operation unit 1.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the rotation driving unit 51 in a state where the imaging operation unit 1 of the imaging apparatus is located at the reference position illustrated in FIG. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the rotation driving unit 51 in a state where the imaging operation unit 1 of the imaging apparatus is rotated in the clockwise direction illustrated in FIG. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of the rotation driving unit 51 in a state where the imaging operation unit 1 of the imaging apparatus is rotated counterclockwise as illustrated in FIG. 3. In addition, description of the connection member 23 is abbreviate | omitted in FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the rotation drive unit 51 includes a first electromagnet 52, a second electromagnet 53, a third electromagnet 54, a first permanent magnet 55, and a second permanent magnet 56. Since the rotation driving unit 51 includes the first to third electromagnets 52 to 54 and the first and second permanent magnets 55 and 56, the imaging operation unit 1 is within the range regulated by the guide groove 12b. Can be rotated to a desired angle.

  The first electromagnet 52 is provided at an intermediate position between the second electromagnet 53 and the third electromagnet 54. This position is a position where a vertical line with respect to the upper surface of the mounting substrate 11 intersects the axis of the rotation center 1a from the center position of the first electromagnet 52. The second electromagnet 53 is provided at a position in the clockwise direction of the imaging operation unit 1 on the mounting substrate 11, and the third electromagnet 54 is provided at a position in the counterclockwise direction of the imaging operation unit 1 on the mounting substrate 11. ing. Further, the positions of the second electromagnet 53 and the third electromagnet 54 are positions that do not exceed the end of the guide groove 12 b and do not contact the first permanent magnet 55 and the second permanent magnet 56.

  The first electromagnet 52 to the third electromagnet 54 generate magnetic poles when energized. In this case, in the first electromagnet 52 to the third electromagnet 54, the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 is reversed when the energization direction is changed.

  The first permanent magnet 55 is provided at a position in the clockwise direction of the imaging operation unit 1 on the lower surface of the wiring board 41, and the second permanent magnet 56 is in the counterclockwise direction of the imaging operation unit 1 on the lower surface of the wiring substrate 41. In the position. The positions of the first permanent magnet 55 and the second permanent magnet 56 are positions between the second electromagnet 53 and the third electromagnet 54 in a state where the imaging operation unit 1 is disposed at the reference position (see FIG. 1). It is.

  Specifically, the first permanent magnet 55 is disposed at a position substantially opposite to the second electromagnet 53 when the imaging operation unit 1 rotates the maximum angle in the clockwise direction, and the second permanent magnet 56 is provided in the imaging operation unit 1. Is arranged at a position substantially opposite to the third electromagnet 54 when it is rotated the maximum angle counterclockwise.

  The polarity of the first permanent magnet 55 on the side facing the mounting substrate 11 is, for example, an N pole, and the polarity of the second permanent magnet 56 on the side facing the mounting substrate 11 is, for example, an S pole. The relationship between the S pole and the N pole of the first permanent magnet 55 and the second permanent magnet 56 may be reversed.

  In the example of FIG. 14, only the first electromagnet 52 is embedded in the mounting substrate 11, and the second electromagnet 53 and the second electromagnet 53 are provided on the wall surface of the holder 57 on the mounting substrate 11. However, whether the first electromagnet 52 to the third electromagnet 54 are embedded in the mounting substrate 11 or protruded from the mounting substrate 11 depends on the distance between the wiring substrate 41 and the mounting substrate 11 and the strength of the necessary magnetic force. What is necessary is just to set suitably according to.

(Configuration to control the rotation of the imaging unit)
Next, a drive control device that controls the drive of the imaging operation unit 1 will be described. FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the drive control device 61 of the imaging operation unit 1 included in the imaging device.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the drive control device 61 includes an angle detection unit (angle detection unit) 62, an angle calculation unit (angle detection unit) 63, an image reading unit 64, an image memory unit 65, a subject movement detection unit (control unit). 66, a rotation drive control unit 67, a focus adjustment drive unit 68, an image display unit 69, and an operation setting unit 70.

  The image display unit 69 is a display unit such as a liquid crystal display or a finder. The image display unit 69 displays an image captured by the imaging device or an image to be captured. In addition, when the image display unit 69 includes a touch panel, the image display unit 69 may also serve as an interface for the operation setting unit 70 and the user of the imaging apparatus.

  The operation setting unit 70 is an input unit by the user for setting on / off of the subject tracking function and the accuracy of detecting the movement of the subject according to the function provided in the imaging apparatus. Further, in the operation setting unit 70, an input operation for subject designation (area designation) is performed by the user in cooperation with the image display unit 69.

  The angle detection unit 62 outputs data indicating the rotation angle of the lens unit 21, that is, the rotation angle of the imaging operation unit 1. The rotation angle of the imaging operation unit 1 is detected not only by detecting the rotation angle of the lens unit 21, but also by detecting the rotation angle of other parts in the imaging operation unit 1, such as the rotation angle of the connecting member 23, for example. , You may go. As the angle detection unit 62, for example, a known means such as an optical means or a mechanical means can be used.

  The angle calculation unit 63 calculates the rotation angle of the imaging operation unit 1 from, for example, a reference position (see FIG. 1) based on the data input from the angle detection unit 62, and outputs the calculation result to the subject movement detection unit 66. To do.

  The image capturing unit 64 captures the image data acquired by the imaging unit 22, converts the image data into a predetermined format that can be displayed by the image display unit 69, and outputs and displays the image data on the image display unit 69. . When the imaging operation unit 1 tracks the subject (when the subject tracking function is turned on in the operation setting unit 70), the image data from the imaging unit 22 is captured at a predetermined time interval, and the image memory Store in the unit 65. Further, the image data from the imaging unit 22 is captured and output to the subject movement detection unit 66. The image memory unit 65 stores the image data input from the image capturing unit 64 for a certain period.

  When the imaging operation unit 1 tracks the subject (when the subject tracking function is turned on), the subject movement detection unit 66 relates to, for example, a predetermined subject set in the operation setting unit 70 in the rotation direction of the imaging operation unit 1. The amount of movement of the subject is calculated. In this case, the position of the subject in the image data at a predetermined time interval stored in the image memory unit 65 and the subject in the image data from the imaging unit 22 input via the image capturing unit 64 are stored. Compare with position. Thereby, the movement of the predetermined subject is detected, only the component in the rotation direction of the imaging operation unit 1 in the movement of the predetermined subject is extracted, and the movement amount of the predetermined subject in the rotation direction of the imaging operation unit 1 is calculated. .

  Next, the subject movement detection unit 66 generates a rotation control signal for controlling the rotation operation of the imaging operation unit 1 in order to track the predetermined subject based on the movement amount of the predetermined subject, and rotates the subject. Output to the controller 67.

  In this case, the subject movement detection unit 66 moves the predetermined subject obtained from the image (or an angle obtained by mathematically converting the movement amount) and the lens unit 21 obtained from the angle calculation unit 63. The actual rotation angle (or the amount of movement obtained by projecting this rotation angle onto a plane) is compared, and the rotation of the imaging operation unit 1 is controlled while applying feedback. That is, the subject movement detection unit 66 compares the angle (or movement amount) obtained from the angle calculation unit 63 with the movement amount (or angle) of a predetermined subject detected by the subject movement detection unit 63 itself, The rotation of the imaging operation unit 1 is controlled so as to reduce the error. The operation of the subject movement detection unit 66 is the same in the configuration of FIG.

  In addition, the subject movement detection unit 66 causes the image display unit 69 to display information indicating the direction in which the subject is moving, warning information indicating that the subject is out of frame, and the like. Note that the subject movement detection unit 66, for example, in a state where the rotation angle of the imaging operation unit 1 calculated by the angle calculation unit 63 has reached the maximum rotation angle of the imaging operation unit 1 defined by the guide groove 12b. When the subject cannot be tracked, it is determined that the subject is out of frame.

  Further, when the lens unit 21 includes an autofocus (AF) mechanism or a zoom mechanism, the subject movement detection unit 66 generates a focus adjustment control signal for adjusting the focus in these mechanisms, and sends it to the focus adjustment drive unit 68. Output.

  Based on the rotation control signal output from the subject movement detection unit 66, the rotation drive control unit 67 supplies a current for rotating the imaging operation unit 1 so that a predetermined subject can be tracked. It supplies to the electromagnet 52-the 3rd electromagnet 54. FIG.

  The focus adjustment drive unit 68 performs focus adjustment on the mechanism based on the focus adjustment control signal from the subject movement detection unit 66 when the lens unit 21 includes an autofocus (AF) mechanism or a zoom mechanism. The drive signal is output.

  In the imaging apparatus, the angle detection unit 62, the angle calculation unit 63, and the focus adjustment drive unit 68 are preferably provided, but are not directly used for the tracking operation of the subject. Therefore, when only the tracking function is necessary, the imaging apparatus may not include the angle detection unit 62, the angle calculation unit 63, and the focus adjustment drive unit 68.

(Operation of imaging device)
In the above configuration, the operation of the imaging device of the present embodiment will be described.
The image data acquired by the imaging unit 22 of the imaging operation unit 1 is converted into a predetermined format that can be displayed on the image display unit 69 by the image capturing unit 64 and displayed on the image display unit 69.

  When the subject tracking function is turned on by a user input operation on the operation setting unit 70, the image capturing unit 64 captures image data from the imaging unit 22 at a predetermined time interval and stores it in the image memory unit 65. Remember. Further, the image data from the imaging unit 22 is captured and output to the subject movement detection unit 66.

  The subject movement detection unit 66 calculates the amount of movement of the subject in the rotation direction of the imaging operation unit 1 with respect to the predetermined subject set in the operation setting unit 70 when the subject tracking function is on. In this case, the position of the subject (the position of the pixel constituting the subject) in the image data stored at a predetermined time interval stored in the image memory unit 65 and the imaging unit input via the image capturing unit 64 The position of the subject in the image data from 22 (the position of the pixel constituting the subject) is compared. Thereby, the movement of the predetermined subject is detected, only the component in the rotation direction of the imaging operation unit 1 in the movement of the predetermined subject is extracted, and the movement amount of the predetermined subject in the rotation direction of the imaging operation unit 1 (predetermined How many pixels the subject has moved).

  Next, the subject movement detection unit 66 generates a rotation control signal for controlling the rotation operation of the imaging operation unit 1 in order to track the predetermined subject based on the movement amount of the predetermined subject, and rotates the subject. Output to the controller 67.

  Next, based on the rotation control signal output from the subject movement detection unit 66, the rotation drive control unit 67 supplies a current for rotating the imaging operation unit 1 so that a predetermined subject can be tracked. The first electromagnet 52 to the third electromagnet 54 are supplied.

  Here, when the imaging operation unit 1 is arranged at the reference position, based on the rotation control signal from the subject movement detection unit 66, the rotation drive control unit 67 sets the rotation drive unit 51 as shown in FIG. No current is supplied to the first electromagnet 52, and the second electromagnet 53 has a magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring substrate 41 and a polarity (N pole) on the side facing the mounting substrate 11 in the first permanent magnet 55. A current that becomes the opposite S pole is supplied. In addition, the third electromagnet 54 is supplied with a current in which the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 is an N pole opposite to the polarity (S pole) on the side of the second permanent magnet 56 facing the mounting substrate 11. .

  As a result, the first electromagnet 52 is turned off, the S pole of the second electromagnet 53 and the N pole of the first permanent magnet 55 attract each other, and the N pole of the third electromagnet 54 and the S pole of the second permanent magnet 56 are brought together. Suck together. In this case, if the current of the same value is supplied to the second electromagnet 53 and the third electromagnet 54, the attractive force of the second electromagnet 53 and the first permanent magnet 55, the third electromagnet 54 and the second permanent magnet 56, Therefore, the imaging operation unit 1 is held at the reference position.

  When the imaging operation unit 1 is arranged at the reference position, the lens unit 21 is located at the center of the opening 12a of the housing unit 2 as shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a plan view of the imaging device when the imaging operation unit 1 is arranged at the reference position.

  On the other hand, when the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated clockwise, as shown in FIG. 15, the rotation drive control unit 67 is based on the rotation control signal from the subject movement detection unit 66 and the first electromagnet of the rotation drive unit 51. 52 is supplied with a current in which the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 is an N pole opposite to the polarity (S pole) on the side of the second permanent magnet 56 facing the mounting substrate 11. The second electromagnet 53 is supplied with a current in which the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 is the S pole opposite to the polarity (N pole) on the side of the first permanent magnet 55 facing the mounting substrate 11. Further, the third electromagnet 54 is supplied with a current in which the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring substrate 41 has the same S pole as the polarity (S pole) on the side facing the mounting substrate 11 in the second permanent magnet 56.

  As a result, the S pole of the third electromagnet 54 and the S pole of the second permanent magnet 56 repel each other, the N pole of the first electromagnet 52 and the S pole of the second permanent magnet 56 are attracted, and the second electromagnet 53 is attracted. The S pole and the N pole of the first permanent magnet 55 attract each other. Therefore, the imaging operation unit 1 rotates clockwise. The rotation angle in this case can be controlled by the current value supplied from the rotation drive control unit 67 to the first electromagnet 52 to the third electromagnet 54 of the rotation drive unit 51.

  When the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated clockwise, as shown in FIG. 19, the lens 31 of the lens unit 21 is at a position closer to one side (right side in the drawing) of the opening 12 a of the housing unit 2. Moving. FIG. 19 is a plan view of the imaging apparatus when the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated clockwise.

  When the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated counterclockwise, the rotation drive control unit 67 is based on the rotation control signal from the subject movement detection unit 66 as shown in FIG. The electromagnet 52 is supplied with a current in which the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 is the S pole opposite to the polarity (N pole) on the side of the first permanent magnet 55 facing the mounting substrate 11. The second electromagnet 53 is supplied with a current whose magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 has the same N pole as the polarity (N pole) on the side of the first permanent magnet 55 facing the mounting substrate 11. In addition, the third electromagnet 54 is supplied with a current in which the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 is an N pole opposite to the polarity (S pole) on the side of the second permanent magnet 56 facing the mounting substrate 11. .

  As a result, the N pole of the second electromagnet 53 and the N pole of the first permanent magnet 55 repel each other, the S pole of the first electromagnet 52 and the N pole of the first permanent magnet 55 are attracted, and the third electromagnet 54 is attracted. N pole and the S pole of the second permanent magnet 56 attract each other. Therefore, the imaging operation unit 1 rotates counterclockwise. The rotation angle in this case can be controlled by the current value supplied from the rotation drive control unit 67 to the first electromagnet 52 to the third electromagnet 54 of the rotation drive unit 51.

  When the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated counterclockwise, the lens 31 of the lens unit 21 is positioned closer to the other side (left side in the figure) of the opening 12a of the housing unit 2 as shown in FIG. Move to. FIG. 20 is a plan view of the imaging apparatus when the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated counterclockwise.

  As described above, in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment, when the imaging operation unit 1 including the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 performs an imaging operation of a subject and performs a tracking operation of a moving subject, the lens unit 21 And the imaging unit 22 rotate only clockwise and counterclockwise (one direction and the opposite direction). As a result, the imaging apparatus can be configured to be thin, small, and lightweight, and can thereby perform a high-speed and high-accuracy tracking operation on the subject.

  Here, the imaging device is generally used for photographing people such as family members, friends, acquaintances, pets, and landscapes. In this case, a moving subject such as a person or a pet usually moves large and fast in the horizontal direction, but often moves small and slow in the vertical direction. Even when a subject such as a stationary landscape is photographed from the car window of a car or train, the relative movement of the subject with respect to the imaging device is centered in the horizontal direction.

  The imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention pays attention to this point, and is provided with a tracking function (tracking function) only in one direction and the opposite direction (for example, the horizontal direction) with respect to the moving subject. Lightweight, high-speed and high-accuracy following operation can be performed.

(Configuration in which the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 are driven independently)
In the above embodiment, the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 of the imaging operation unit 1 are connected by the connecting member 23, and the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 are rotated together in the tracking operation of the subject. It is like that. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 may not be connected by the connecting member 23 but may be rotationally driven by individual driving means. FIG. 21 shows another example of the image pickup apparatus shown in FIG. 1, in which the lens unit 21 and the image pickup unit 22 are not connected by the connecting member 23 but are rotated by an individual driving unit. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows an imaging device.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the lens unit 21 is rotationally driven by, for example, a servo motor (lens unit driving unit) 71 as a driving unit separately from the rotational driving unit 51 that rotationally drives the imaging unit 22. The servo motor 71 is provided directly connected to the lens unit 21, for example. The rotation angle of the lens unit 21 is detected by the angle detection unit 62. This angle detection unit 62 is arranged on the lens holding member 32 of the lens unit 21 and counts the number of teeth of the gear interlocked with the rotation of the lens holding member 32, such as a mouse wheel used in a personal computer. The inclination angle of the lens unit 21 with respect to the reference position is detected.

  In the case of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 21, the drive control apparatus is as shown in FIG. FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the lens unit 21 and the drive control device 73 of the imaging unit 22 included in the imaging device illustrated in FIG. 21.

  In FIG. 22, the configuration for controlling the rotation of the imaging unit 22 is the same as that of the drive control device 61 shown in FIG. On the other hand, the rotation of the lens unit 21 is performed by the servo motor 71, and the rotation of the servo motor 71 is controlled by the motor control unit 72. In this case, data indicating the rotation angle of the lens unit 21 is output from the angle detection unit 62, and the angle calculation unit 63 calculates the rotation angle of the lens unit 21 based on the data. The subject movement detection unit 66 outputs a rotation control signal for making the rotation angle of the lens unit 21 calculated by the angle calculation unit 63 coincide with the rotation angle of the imaging unit 22 to the motor control unit 72. The motor control unit 72 controls the rotation of the servo motor 71, that is, the lens unit 21 based on the rotation control signal. Thereby, the lens part 21 and the imaging part 22 can maintain the relationship as shown in FIGS. 4-6 in a rotation angle.

  In such a configuration, a detection unit that detects the rotation angle of the imaging unit 22 and outputs the detection result to the subject movement detection unit 66 may be additionally provided. As this detection means, various well-known methods such as a method of calculating a rotation angle of the imaging unit 22 by detecting a moving position of the imaging unit 22 with respect to the reference position accompanying the rotation of the imaging unit 22 can be used. .

  As described above, in the configuration in which the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 are rotationally driven independently by the respective driving means, the moving subject while finely adjusting the positional deviation between the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 and the like. Can be accurately performed. In addition, since the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 are driven by separate driving means, there is an advantage that the response of the tracking operation to the subject becomes faster.

[Embodiment 2]
(Main configuration of imaging device)
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 23 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of the imaging apparatus (camera module) according to the embodiment of the present invention and showing a state in which the imaging operation unit 1 exists at the reference position. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view of the imaging apparatus showing a state in which the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated clockwise from the reference position shown in FIG. FIG. 25 is a longitudinal sectional view of the imaging apparatus showing a state in which the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated counterclockwise from the reference position shown in FIG. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 in a state where the imaging operation unit 1 of the imaging apparatus is present at the reference position illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 26, the connection member 23 is not shown.

  In the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 23 of the present embodiment, the imaging operation unit 1 has the same configuration as that of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. However, in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment, the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated around the rotation center (rotation axis) 1b provided on the wiring board 41, not the rotation center 1a provided on the lens unit 21. ing. Therefore, in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, a support member 91 is provided on the mounting substrate 11, and the wiring substrate 41 has the rotation center (rotation axis) 1b by the support member 91. It is rotatably supported as a center. Accordingly, the wiring board 41 is supported by the two support members 91 on the two side surfaces parallel to the rotating surface of the imaging operation unit 1.

  The lens unit 21 rotates in a predetermined range around the rotation center 1b. The opening 12d of the holder 12 where the lens unit 21 is located has a width that allows the lens unit 21 to rotate within the predetermined range in the rotation direction of the lens unit 21.

  Further, in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, in order to prevent light from entering from the gap between the lens unit 21 and the holder 12 in the opening 12d, a collar member 81 is provided on the lens unit 21. Is provided. FIG. 27A is a plan view showing the lens unit 21 and the eaves member 81 provided on the lens unit 21, and FIG. 27B shows the lens unit 21 and the eaves member 81 provided on the lens unit 21. FIG.

  The eaves member 81 is formed by curving the plate member in an arc shape with the rotation center 1b as the center, and has a length that can close the opening 12d even when the lens portion 21 rotates to the maximum range. ing. The eaves member 81 preferably has a light shielding property and does not reflect light, and is made of, for example, a resin.

(Guidance for rotation of imaging unit)
A guide pin 84 is provided on the lens holding member 32 of the lens unit 21, and the guide pin 84 is inserted into a guide groove 12 c formed in the holder 12. The guide groove 12c is formed in an arc shape centering on the rotation center 1b on a surface perpendicular to the protruding direction of the guide pin 84 facing the opening 12d of the holder 12. Thereby, when the imaging operation unit 1 rotates about the rotation center 1b, the lens unit 21, that is, the imaging operation unit 1 can smoothly rotate. In this case, the rotation range (maximum rotation angle) of the imaging operation unit 1 is defined by the length of the guide groove 12c. Also in this configuration, the rotation range of the imaging operation unit 1 is preferably in the range of 0 to ± 25 degrees, for example, when the state of FIG.

(Electrical connection between wiring board and mounting board)
As shown in FIG. 28, the electrical connection between the wiring board 41 and the mounting board 11 is made by an intermediate board 47 made of a flexible wiring board, as in the case of the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical connection state between the wiring board 41 and the mounting board 11 in a state where the imaging operation unit 1 of the imaging apparatus is located at the reference position shown in FIG. The electrical connection between the wiring board 41 and the mounting board 11 is performed only on one side of the wiring board 41 by the intermediate board 47 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13A and 13B. Also good.

(Configuration to rotate the imaging operation unit)
Next, a configuration for rotationally driving the imaging operation unit 1 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 23 to 25, the imaging apparatus includes a rotation driving unit 92 for rotating the imaging operation unit 1.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the rotation drive unit 51 includes a first electromagnet 82, a second electromagnet 83, a first permanent magnet 55, and a second permanent magnet 56. Since the rotation driving unit 51 includes the first and second electromagnets 82 and 83 and the first and second permanent magnets 55 and 56, the imaging operation unit 1 is within the range restricted by the guide groove 12d. Can be rotated to a desired angle.

  The first electromagnet 82 is provided on the mounting board 11 at a position facing the first permanent magnet 55 of the wiring board 41, and the second electromagnet 83 is the second permanent magnet 56 of the wiring board 41 on the mounting board 11. It is provided in the position opposite to. The first and second electromagnets 82 and 83 generate magnetic poles when energized, and the magnetic poles on the side facing the wiring board 41 are reversed when the energization direction is changed. In the example of FIG. 23, the first and second electromagnets 82 and 83 are embedded in the mounting substrate 11, which is preferable in terms of downsizing the imaging apparatus. However, the first and second electromagnets 82 and 83 may be provided so as to protrude on the mounting substrate 11.

(Configuration to control the rotation of the imaging unit)
Next, a drive control device that controls the drive of the imaging operation unit 1 will be described. FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the drive control device 101 of the imaging operation unit 1 included in the imaging device.

  As shown in FIG. 29, the drive control apparatus 101 includes a movement detection unit 102, an angle calculation unit 63, an image reading unit 64, an image memory unit 65, a subject movement detection unit 66, a rotation drive control unit 103, and a focus adjustment drive unit 68. The image display unit 69 and the operation setting unit 70 are provided. The operations of the image capturing unit 64, the image memory unit 65, the focus adjustment driving unit 68, the image display unit 69, and the operation setting unit 70 are the same as those of the drive control device 61 shown in FIG.

  The movement detection unit 102 detects the amount of movement of the lens unit 21 with respect to, for example, a reference position (see FIG. 23). Instead of the movement detection unit 102, a rotation angle of the lens unit 21 with respect to the reference position may be detected. As the movement detection unit 102, for example, a known means such as an optical means or a mechanical means can be used.

  The angle calculation unit 63 calculates a rotation angle of the imaging operation unit 1 from, for example, a reference position based on the movement amount of the lens unit 21 input from the movement detection unit 102, and outputs the calculation result to the subject movement detection unit 66. To do.

  Based on the rotation control signal output from the subject movement detection unit 66, the rotation drive control unit 67 supplies a current for rotating the imaging operation unit 1 so that a predetermined subject can be tracked. This is supplied to the electromagnet 82 and the second electromagnet 83.

(Operation of imaging device)
In the above configuration, the operation of the imaging device of the present embodiment will be described.
The angle calculation unit 63, the image capture unit 64, the image memory unit 65, the subject movement detection unit 66, the focus adjustment drive unit 68, the image display unit 69, and the operation setting unit 70 are the same as the drive control device 61 shown in FIG. Operation is performed.

  Based on the rotation control signal output from the subject movement detection unit 66, the rotation drive control unit 103 generates a current for rotating the imaging operation unit 1 so that a predetermined subject can be tracked. And supplied to the second electromagnets 82 and 83.

  Here, when the imaging operation unit 1 is arranged at the reference position, based on the rotation control signal from the subject movement detection unit 66, the rotation drive control unit 103 sets the rotation drive unit 92 as shown in FIG. The first electromagnet 82 is supplied with a current in which the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 is the S pole opposite to the polarity (N pole) on the side of the first permanent magnet 55 facing the mounting substrate 11. The second electromagnet 83 is supplied with a current in which the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 is an N pole opposite to the polarity (S pole) on the side of the second permanent magnet 56 facing the mounting substrate 11. .

  As a result, the S pole of the first electromagnet 82 and the N pole of the first permanent magnet 55 are attracted, and the N pole of the second electromagnet 83 and the S pole of the second permanent magnet 56 are attracted. In this case, if the current of the same value is supplied to the first and second electromagnets 82 and 83, the attractive force of the first electromagnet 82 and the first permanent magnet 55, the second electromagnet 83 and the second permanent magnet 56, Therefore, the imaging operation unit 1 is held at the reference position.

  When the imaging operation unit 1 is arranged at the reference position, the lens unit 21 is located at the center of the opening 12d of the housing unit 2 as shown in FIG. FIG. 30 is a plan view of the imaging apparatus when the imaging operation unit 1 is arranged at the reference position.

  On the other hand, when the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated clockwise, as shown in FIG. 24, based on the rotation control signal from the subject movement detection unit 66, the rotation drive control unit 103 causes the rotation drive unit 92 to The 1 electromagnet 82 is supplied with a current in which the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 has the same N pole as the polarity (N pole) on the side facing the mounting substrate 11 in the first permanent magnet 55. The second electromagnet 83 is supplied with a current in which the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 is an N pole opposite to the polarity (S pole) on the side facing the mounting substrate 11 in the second permanent magnet 56.

  As a result, the N pole of the first electromagnet 82 and the N pole of the first permanent magnet 55 repel each other, and the N pole of the second electromagnet 83 and the S pole of the second permanent magnet 56 attract each other. Therefore, the imaging operation unit 1 rotates clockwise. The rotation angle in this case can be controlled by the current value supplied from the rotation drive control unit 103 to the first and second electromagnets 82 and 83 of the rotation drive unit 92.

  When the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated clockwise, the lens unit 21 moves to a position closer to one side (right side in the drawing) of the opening 12d of the housing unit 2 as shown in FIG. FIG. 31 is a plan view of the imaging apparatus when the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated clockwise.

  Further, when the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated counterclockwise, the rotation drive control unit 103 determines whether the rotation drive unit 92 is based on the rotation control signal from the subject movement detection unit 66 as shown in FIG. The first electromagnet 82 is supplied with a current in which the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 is the S pole opposite to the polarity (N pole) on the side of the first permanent magnet 55 facing the mounting substrate 11. The second electromagnet 83 is supplied with a current whose S pole is the same as the polarity (S pole) of the second permanent magnet 56 on the side facing the mounting substrate 11 in the second permanent magnet 56.

  As a result, the S pole of the first electromagnet 82 and the N pole of the first permanent magnet 55 attract each other, and the S pole of the second electromagnet 83 and the S pole of the second permanent magnet 56 repel each other. Therefore, the imaging operation unit 1 rotates counterclockwise. The rotation angle in this case can be controlled by the current value supplied from the rotation drive control unit 103 to the first and second electromagnets 82 and 83 of the rotation drive unit 92.

  When the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated counterclockwise, the lens unit 21 moves to a position closer to the other side (left side in the drawing) of the opening 12d of the housing unit 2 as shown in FIG. . FIG. 32 is a plan view of the imaging apparatus when the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated counterclockwise.

  As described above, in the imaging device according to the present embodiment, the imaging operation unit 1 including the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 performs the imaging operation of the subject and performs the tracking operation of the moving subject, as in the imaging device. In this case, the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 are rotated clockwise and counterclockwise in a direction parallel to the same plane. As a result, the imaging apparatus can be configured to be thin, small, and lightweight, and can thereby perform a high-speed and high-accuracy tracking operation on the subject.

  Similarly, by providing a tracking function (tracking function) only in one direction and the opposite direction (for example, horizontal direction) with respect to a moving subject, it is possible to perform a thin, small, lightweight, high-speed and high-accuracy tracking operation. I have to.

(Configuration in which the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 are driven independently)
In the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 23, the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 of the imaging operation unit 1 are connected by the connecting member 23, and the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 are integrated in the tracking operation of the subject. It is designed to rotate. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 may not be connected by the connecting member 23 but may be rotationally driven by individual driving means.

  For example, as in the configuration shown in FIG. 21, the lens unit 21 may be rotationally driven (moved) by, for example, a servo motor 71 as a driving unit separately from the rotational driving unit 92 that rotationally drives the imaging unit 22. For example, the rotation angle (movement amount) of the lens unit 21 with respect to the reference position is detected by the movement detection unit 102 (see FIG. 29).

  The configuration of the drive control apparatus 101 in this case can be configured such that, for example, in the drive control apparatus 73 illustrated in FIG. 22, the angle detection unit 62 is replaced with the movement detection unit 102 as illustrated in FIG. 29. In this configuration, the rotation (movement) of the lens unit 21 is performed by the servo motor 71, and the rotation of the servo motor 71 is controlled by the motor control unit 72. In this case, data indicating the rotation angle (movement amount) of the lens unit 21 is output from the movement detection unit 102, and the angle calculation unit 63 calculates the rotation angle of the lens unit 21 based on the data. The subject movement detection unit 66 outputs a rotation control signal for causing the rotation angle of the lens unit 21 calculated by the angle calculation unit 63 to coincide with the rotation angle of the imaging unit 22 to the motor control unit 72. The motor control unit 72 controls the rotation (movement) of the servo motor 71, that is, the lens unit 21, based on the rotation control signal. Thereby, the lens part 21 and the imaging part 22 can maintain the relationship as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 (or FIGS. 23 to 25) at the rotation angle.

  In the case of such a configuration, similarly, a detection unit that detects the rotation angle of the imaging unit 22 and outputs the detection result to the subject movement detection unit 66 may be provided separately. As this detection means, various well-known methods such as a method of calculating a rotation angle of the imaging unit 22 by detecting a moving position of the imaging unit 22 with respect to the reference position accompanying the rotation of the imaging unit 22 can be used. .

  As described above, in the configuration in which the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 rotate independently, the tracking operation for the moving subject can be accurately performed while finely adjusting the positional deviation between the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22. It can be carried out. In addition, since the lens unit 21 and the imaging unit 22 are driven by separate driving means, there is an advantage that the response of the tracking operation to the subject becomes faster.

(Configuration in which an elastic member is provided between the wiring board and the mounting board)
23 may be configured such that an elastic member 85 such as a coil spring is provided between the wiring board 41 and the mounting board 11, as shown in FIG. FIG. 33 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a configuration when the elastic member 85 is arranged between the wiring board 41 and the mounting board 11 in the imaging apparatus shown in FIG.

  In the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 33, the elastic members 85 are arranged on both sides of the support member 91, and when the energization to the first and second electromagnets 82 and 83 is turned off, the imaging operation is performed by both elastic members 85. The part 1 is held at the reference position.

  In the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 33, when the imaging operation unit 1 is arranged at the reference position, the rotation drive control unit 103 turns off the energization of the second electromagnets 82 and 83.

  On the other hand, when the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the rotation drive control unit 103 has the first electromagnet 82 with the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41, as in the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. A current having the same N pole as the polarity (N pole) on the side of the permanent magnet 55 facing the mounting substrate 11 is supplied. The second electromagnet 83 is supplied with a current in which the magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 is an N pole opposite to the polarity (S pole) on the side facing the mounting substrate 11 in the second permanent magnet 56.

  Further, when the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated counterclockwise, the rotation drive control unit 103 has a magnetic pole on the side facing the wiring board 41 in the first electromagnet 82, as in the imaging device shown in FIG. The first permanent magnet 55 is supplied with a current having an S pole opposite to the polarity (N pole) on the side facing the mounting substrate 11. The second electromagnet 83 is supplied with a current whose S pole is the same as the polarity (S pole) of the second permanent magnet 56 on the side facing the mounting substrate 11 in the second permanent magnet 56. The rotation angle of the imaging operation unit 1 can be controlled by the current value supplied to the first and second electromagnets 82 and 83.

  33, the first and second electromagnets 82 and 83 are included in the imaging apparatus, but the combination of the first electromagnet 82 and the first permanent magnet 55, or the second electromagnet 83 and the second electromagnet 82. It is good also as a structure provided only with any one combination among the combinations with the permanent magnet 56. FIG. For example, in the configuration including only the combination of the first electromagnet 82 and the first permanent magnet 55, the attractive force and the repulsive force between the first electromagnet 82 and the first permanent magnet 55 are set against the elastic force of the elastic member 85. Adjustment may be made so that the imaging operation unit 1 can be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise.

(Configuration in which the imaging operation unit is driven by an actuator using a piezoelectric element)
Further, the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 23 is replaced with a rotation drive unit 92 including a combination of the first electromagnet 82 and the first permanent magnet 55 and a combination of the second electromagnet 83 and the second permanent magnet 56. As shown in FIG. 34, a configuration including a piezoelectric element type actuator 86 may be adopted. FIG. 34 shows another example of the image pickup apparatus shown in FIG. 23, and is a longitudinal sectional view showing an image pickup apparatus provided with a piezoelectric element type actuator 86 as a rotation drive unit of the image pickup operation unit 1.

  As the piezoelectric element type actuator 86, for example, an actuator (product name: piezoelectric ultrasonic linear actuator) for driving an optical mechanism of a camera (for autofocus) manufactured by Konica Minolta Technology Center Co., Ltd. can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 35, the piezoelectric element type actuator 86 includes a drive shaft 111, a piezoelectric element 112, and a moving body 113. FIG. 35 is a front view showing the piezoelectric element type actuator 86 shown in FIG. 36 (a) is a plan view of the moving body 113 shown in FIG. 35, FIG. 36 (b) is a front view of the moving body 113, and FIG. 36 (c) is a front view of the drive shaft 111 and the piezoelectric element 112. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 35, the moving body 113 is attached to the drive shaft 111 with the drive shaft 111 inserted. A piezoelectric element 112 is provided below the drive shaft 111, the drive shaft 111 transmits vibrations of the piezoelectric element 112, and the moving body 113 moves up and down with respect to the piezoelectric element 112.

  As shown in FIG. 34, the piezoelectric element type actuator 86 is provided along the end of the wiring board 41 on both sides of the support member 91, and the moving body 113 is provided on the lower surface of the wiring board 41 in the imaging unit 22. Yes. In this case, the moving body 113 is preferably fixed to the lower surface of the wiring board 41, but may be disposed in contact with the lower surface of the wiring board 41.

  In the above configuration, the imaging operation unit 1 is rotated clockwise and counterclockwise by moving the moving body 113 of one piezoelectric element type actuator 86 upward and moving the moving body 113 of the other piezoelectric element type actuator 86 downward. Can be rotated clockwise. In this case, the rotation drive control unit 103 shown in FIG. 29 causes both piezoelectric elements 112 to move based on the rotation control signal from the subject movement detection unit 66 so that both the moving bodies 113 move as described above. Vibrate.

  In the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 34, as described above, by controlling the movement of the moving body 113 in the piezoelectric element type actuator 86, the imaging operation unit 1 can follow the movement of the subject and rotate.

  The actuator for rotating the imaging operation unit 1 is not limited to an actuator using a piezoelectric element (piezoelectric element type actuator 86). For example, it acts on the wiring board 41 and the connecting member 23 which are a part of the imaging operation unit 1, and the imaging operation unit 1 is driven to rotate in one direction and the opposite direction from the reference position around the rotation center 1b. Anything to do.

(Configuration in which one piezoelectric element actuator is replaced with an elastic member)
In the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 34, one of the piezoelectric element-type actuators 86 on both sides of the support member 91 may be replaced with an elastic member 85 as shown in FIG. FIG. 37 shows another example of the image pickup apparatus shown in FIG. 34, and is a longitudinal sectional view showing an image pickup apparatus having a configuration in which one of both piezoelectric element type actuators 86 is replaced with an elastic member 85. is there. In the case of the above configuration, the elastic member 85 applies a force to the wiring board 41 to rotate in the clockwise direction around the rotation center 1b, and is, for example, a compression spring.

  In the above configuration, the imaging operation unit 1 rotates clockwise as the moving body 113 of the piezoelectric element type actuator 86 moves in a direction approaching the mounting substrate 11. On the other hand, when the moving body 113 moves away from the mounting substrate 11, the imaging operation unit 1 rotates counterclockwise. In this case, the rotation drive control unit 103 shown in FIG. 29 vibrates the piezoelectric element 112 based on the rotation control signal from the subject movement detection unit 66 so that the moving body 113 moves as described above.

  In the imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 37, as described above, by controlling the movement of the moving body 113 in the piezoelectric element type actuator 86, the imaging operation unit 1 can be rotated while tracking the movement of the subject.

[Embodiment 3]
Still another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, each of the imaging devices described above can be configured as a stereo camera by arranging two at a predetermined distance in a direction in which a subject moving in the horizontal direction can be tracked. it can. FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a photographing operation of a subject moving in the front-rear direction by a stereo camera including two imaging devices 201. FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a shooting operation of a subject moving in the left-right direction by a stereo camera including two imaging devices 201.

  As shown in FIG. 38, the two imaging devices 201 are fixed to the attachment member 202 so as to be aligned in the horizontal direction, for example, at a predetermined interval. When the subject 203 moves in the front-rear direction, the two imaging devices 201 track the movement of the subject and shoot the moving subject 203. The output from the imaging unit 22 of each imaging device 201 is processed by a known method for obtaining a stereoscopic image. As a result, a stereoscopic image of the subject 203 moving in the front-rear direction can be obtained.

  Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 39, when the subject 203 moves in the left-right direction, the two imaging devices 201 track the movement of the subject and photograph the moving subject 203. The output from the imaging unit 22 of each imaging device 201 is processed by a known method for obtaining a stereoscopic image. Thereby, a stereoscopic image of the subject 203 moving in the left-right direction can be obtained.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The imaging device of the present invention can be used for a mobile phone with a camera, a digital still camera, a security camera, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Imaging operation part 1a, 1b Rotation center 2 Housing | casing part 11 Mounting board 12 Holder
12a, 12d opening
12c, 12b Guide groove 21 Lens part 22 Imaging part 23 Connecting member 31 Lens 32 Lens holding member 41 Wiring board 42 Solid-state image sensor 46 Guide pin 47 Intermediate board 51 Rotation drive part (imaging part drive part)
52 1st electromagnet 53 2nd electromagnet 54 3rd electromagnet 55 1st permanent magnet 56 2nd permanent magnet 61 Drive control device 62 Angle detection part (angle detection means)
63 Angle calculation unit (angle detection means)
64 Image capture unit 65 Image memory unit 66 Subject movement detection unit (control unit)
67 Rotation Drive Control Unit 71 Servo Motor (Lens Unit Drive Unit)
72 motor control unit 73 drive control device 81 rod member 82 first electromagnet 83 second electromagnet 84 guide pin 85 elastic member 86 piezoelectric element type actuator 91 support member 92 rotation drive unit 101 drive control unit 111 drive shaft 112 piezoelectric element 113 moving body 201 Imaging device 202 Mounting member 203 Subject

Claims (7)

In an imaging apparatus comprising: a lens unit having a lens; and an imaging unit that has a solid-state imaging device and obtains an image signal of a subject by the solid-state imaging device from light incident through the lens unit;
The lens unit and the imaging unit are provided in the casing so as to rotate only in one direction and a direction opposite to the one direction around a predetermined rotation center,
At least the imaging unit is disposed in a space inside the casing, and is provided so as to rotate in the one direction and the opposite direction in the casing.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation center is set in the lens unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation center is set in the imaging unit.   The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lens unit and the imaging unit are coupled by a coupling member so that the two rotate together. A lens unit driving unit that rotationally drives the lens unit in the direction;
An imaging unit driving unit that rotationally drives the imaging unit in the direction;
And a control unit that controls operations of the lens unit driving unit and the imaging unit driving unit so that a rotation angle of the lens unit matches a rotation angle of the imaging unit. The imaging device according to any one of 1 to 3.   The first rotation unit that is one of the lens unit and the imaging unit is provided with an axis as the rotation center, rotates around the axis in the direction, and the second rotation that is the other. The imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the unit rotates in the direction guided by a guide mechanism that guides the second rotating unit to rotate about the axis.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an angle detection unit that detects a rotation angle of at least one of the lens unit and the imaging unit.

Images